Knowledge for the journey ahead.
Our commitment to medical excellence.
At Arden Surrogacy, the health and well-being of our gestational carriers and the families they help create are at the heart of every journey. Our screening process is guided by the recommendations of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), reflecting our commitment to thoughtful evaluation, informed decision-making, and the highest standards of care.
We work closely with experienced fertility clinics and medical professionals to ensure every gestational carrier receives a comprehensive evaluation before moving forward.
Understanding the language of surrogacy
The journey to parenthood can introduce unfamiliar medical, legal, and fertility terminology. At Arden Surrogacy, we believe that understanding each step helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’ve created this glossary to simplify some of the terms you may encounter along the way.
Fertility & Embryology
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A process in which eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.
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An early stage of development following fertilization of an egg.
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An embryo that has typically developed for five or six days after fertilization.
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An embryo with the expected number of chromosomes, as determined by genetic testing.
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An embryo with an abnormal number of chromosomes, which may affect implantation or pregnancy outcomes.
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An embryo whose tested cells show a mixture of chromosomally normal and abnormal results.
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Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy. A test used to screen embryos for chromosome-number abnormalities.
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A procedure in which an embryo is placed into the uterus in hopes of establishing a pregnancy.
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The transfer of an embryo that was previously frozen and then thawed.
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The process by which an embryo attaches to and begins embedding in the uterine lining.
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A blood test that measures the pregnancy hormone hCG, commonly used to detect and monitor early pregnancy.
Surrogacy & Medical Screening
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A woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parents using an embryo created through IVF. She has no genetic relationship to the baby through her own egg.
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The individual or individuals planning to become the legal parents of a child born through surrogacy.
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The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a professional organization that publishes evidence-based guidance for reproductive medicine.
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Approval from a fertility clinic indicating that a gestational carrier. meets its medical criteria to proceed.
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An assessment conducted by a qualified mental health professional to evaluate readiness and understanding of the surrogacy journey.
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Testing or imaging used to assess the uterus before embryo transfer.
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The tissue lining the uterus that develops in preparation for embryo implantation.
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A preparatory cycle sometimes used to evaluate how the uterine lining responds to medications before an embryo transfer.
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Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, a physician specializing in fertility treatment.
Pregnancy & Prenatal Care
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The age of a pregnancy, generally measured in weeks from the last menstrual period or its IVF equivalent.
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A pregnancy confirmed through ultrasound findings or other accepted clinical criteria.
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Cardiac activity detected by ultrasound during early pregnancy.
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Noninvasive Prenatal Testing, a maternal blood test that screens for certain fetal chromosomal conditions.
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A diagnostic procedure that collects amniotic fluid to test for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions.
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A medical specialty focused on managing high-risk pregnancies and complex prenatal conditions.
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A pregnancy involving one fetus.
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An obstetrician-gynecologist, a physician specializing in reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Legal & Financial Terms
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A legal contract establishing the rights, responsibilities, expectations, and financial arrangements between intended parents and a gestational carrier.
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Separate attorneys representing the intended parents and gestational carrier to protect each party’s individual interests.
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An account administered by an independent third party to hold and distribute funds according to the surrogacy agreement.
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The primary compensation paid to a gestational carrier under the terms of her agreement.
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Contractually defined payments or reimbursements for certain pregnancy-related expenses and circumstances.
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A court order legally establishing the intended parents’ parentage, subject to applicable state law.
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An informal term describing a state whose laws generally support enforceable gestational surrogacy arrangements. Specific requirements vary by state.
A final note from Arden
Every surrogacy journey is unique, and not every term or procedure will apply to your experience. Your fertility clinic, independent legal counsel, and Arden team will help you understand what is relevant to your individual journey.
Because extraordinary journeys deserve exceptional care, and that begins with feeling informed, supported, and confident.
Who does what? Understanding your surrogacy team.
A successful surrogacy journey brings together experienced professionals, each with an important role. At Arden, we believe exceptional care begins with clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and a team you can trust.
The Agency — Your Trusted Guide
Arden brings the pieces together. From thoughtful matching and screening coordination to ongoing communication and personal support, we help guide intended parents and gestational carriers through every milestone.
The Fertility Clinic — Your Medical Experts
Your fertility clinic oversees the medical aspects of the journey, including medical screening, embryo preparation and transfer, and early pregnancy monitoring. Your gestational carrier’s obstetric provider manages prenatal care and delivery.
The Attorneys — Protecting Everyone’s Interests
Intended parents and gestational carriers have independent legal representation to ensure their individual rights and responsibilities are understood and protected. Attorneys prepare and review agreements, address applicable state laws, and manage the legal steps necessary to establish parentage.
The Escrow Provider — Safeguarding Your Funds
An independent escrow provider securely manages the funds designated for gestational carrier compensation and approved expenses, distributing payments according to the legal agreement.
One Journey. A Coordinated Team.
Each professional has a distinct responsibility, but no one should feel they’re navigating the process alone. Arden remains your trusted point of contact, helping everyone stay connected, informed, and supported from the first conversation through birth and beyond.
Surrogacy laws across the US
Surrogacy laws vary from state to state, and understanding the legal landscape is an important part of every journey. At Arden, we believe that clarity and confidence begin with the right guidance.
We encourage all intended parents and gestational carriers to work with independent attorneys experienced in reproductive law. While you always choose your own legal representation, Arden can help connect you with experienced professionals who understand the unique considerations of surrogacy.
Throughout the process, we work closely with your legal team to help ensure each milestone is thoughtfully coordinated and everyone feels informed, protected, and supported.
Let's take the first step together.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. A consultation is simply an opportunity to ask questions, learn more, and see if we’re the right fit for your journey. When you’re ready, we’re here to connect.